The Rangers (55-63) thought they could make a run after the All-Star break and although they did put together a 5-game win streak at one point the team is 4-11 since then which has essentially sealed their fate out of the playoffs. Boston (61-55) on the other hand is still just 3GB from the second wild card spot despite their current 4-game losing skid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boston is the favorite at Fenway Park for the ESPN Monday Night Baseball showcase. The Red Sox just got swept at home by Houston over the weekend though, being outscored 23-10. Pitching has been a huge issue for Boston as of late as the team has posted a 5.87 ERA over their last 10 games, although the offense has bailed them out to a 5-5 record over that span. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Struggles on the mound aren’t a good thing for the Sox, as Texas scored 16 runs over their last two games at the Yankees, although they did split those in a 9-4 win and an 8-7 loss. Brayan Bello<\/strong> (10-5, 5.16 ERA) gets the ball in the series opener, not missing a start after being put on the paternity leave list<\/a> on Friday. Boston has gone 6-1 over Bello’s last 7 starts although he hasn’t picked up a decision in his last four. <\/p>\n\n\n\n